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Paris balloons offer an alternative to the traditional way many travelers explore Paris and France: by foot, bicycle, and boat. But seeing the city and countryside from the air presents a whole new perspective, and both helicopter tours and a Paris hot air balloon tour offer this opportunity to travelers. If you’re interested in seeing the city landscape, a helicopter tour may be the right choice for you. If you want to go outside the city for you aerial views, a hot air balloon ride makes for a peaceful morning or early evening ride. Currently, no companies offer a balloon ride in the Paris city center, but there are options in the countryside surrounding the city. Take the opportunity to see the city during a river cruise along the Seine or from the top of Eiffel Tower, and get out of the city to the countryside to fulfill your hot air balloon dreams.

Typically, tours aboard Paris balloons are in the countryside surrounding the city and often include transportation from your Paris hotel to the launch site. For safety, the best conditions for your Paris hot air balloon tour are early in the morning or in the couple hours before sunset, as cooler air makes the balloon more maneuverable. When making reservations, be sure to book with a company that guarantees a refund if weather isn’t cooperating. Balloon rides can cost anywhere from 150 to 250 euros per person, depending on the time of year and whether or not you would like a private balloon. Most tours include a champagne toast and some offer a photography service (though this is expensive and you can usually have the same quality results if you bring your own digital camera). A balloon ride in Paris will expose you to beautiful scenery, castles, villages, and vineyards.